CVE-2024-3623 identifies a security vulnerability in the deployment process of Quay container registry instances when installed using mirror-registry. The core issue arises from the use of a default database secret key that is embedded in plaintext within a configuration template file. Because this secret key is not unique per deployment and is stored unencrypted, all Quay instances installed via mirror-registry potentially share the same database secret key. This flaw enables an attacker with limited privileges (requiring some level of authentication) to leverage the known secret key to gain unauthorized read access to sensitive information stored in the Quay database. The vulnerability does not require user interaction and can be exploited remotely over the network, as indicated by the CVSS vector (AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N). The impact is primarily on confidentiality, with no direct effect on integrity or availability. Although no known exploits have been reported in the wild, the presence of a shared secret key in plaintext significantly lowers the barrier for attackers to compromise data confidentiality. The flaw stems from insecure default configuration management practices, emphasizing the need for unique secret generation and secure storage mechanisms in containerized application deployments.

For European organizations, the vulnerability poses a risk to the confidentiality of sensitive data stored within Quay container registries, which are often used to manage container images for critical applications. Unauthorized access to the database could expose credentials, image metadata, or other proprietary information, potentially leading to further compromise of containerized environments. Organizations in sectors such as finance, healthcare, and critical infrastructure that rely on container registries for secure software supply chains are particularly at risk. The shared default secret increases the attack surface, especially in multi-tenant or cloud environments where multiple Quay instances might be deployed using mirror-registry. While the vulnerability does not impact system availability or integrity directly, the exposure of confidential data could facilitate subsequent attacks, including lateral movement or privilege escalation within affected networks.

To mitigate CVE-2024-3623, organizations should immediately audit all Quay deployments installed via mirror-registry to identify instances using the default database secret key. Administrators must replace the default secret with a unique, strong secret key for each deployment. This can be achieved by customizing the configuration templates before deployment or regenerating secrets post-installation. Access to configuration files containing secret keys should be strictly limited using file system permissions and role-based access controls. Additionally, monitoring and alerting should be implemented to detect unusual database access patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Organizations should also stay updated with vendor patches or configuration guidance addressing this issue and apply them promptly once available. Incorporating secret management solutions that integrate with container orchestration platforms can further reduce the risk of plaintext secret exposure. Finally, educating DevOps and security teams about secure configuration management practices is essential to prevent similar vulnerabilities.